When you think of a medieval film filled with the Black Death, pirates, and sexy nuns, you might imagine something dark and dramatic. But Stumbling Kiss, Virgin Territory (Virgin Territory) instead takes a middle path between slapstick comedy and action, resulting in a film that's fun without requiring much thought, though it may leave many shaking their heads at its somewhat 'crazy' direction.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The film opens in Tuscany during the Black Death. A group of ten young people flee the plague to stay in a villa. But don't expect a story like the Decameron, because here they spend their time on crude jokes, sword fights, a lecherous nun, Saracen pirates, and a sexy cow (yes, you read that right). The plot meanders aimlessly but is filled with adventure and romance mixed together.
Acting and Characters
Hayden Christensen as Lorenzo tries hard to be a playful hero but still carries some of Anakin Skywalker's intensity. Mischa Barton as Pampinea is beautiful and elegant, but her role is too shallow to showcase her talent. Tim Roth as Gerbino is a larger-than-life character who steals every scene he's in. Supporting actors like Kate Groombridge and Rosalind Halstead do their jobs well within limited scope.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director David Leland, who previously made films like Wish You Were Here and The Big Blue, returns with a film that seems intentionally 'not serious' but ends up feeling disjointed. The fight scenes are shot in a low-budget style, and the music feels a bit dated. The costumes and makeup look too clean for a plague era, but that might be intentional to create a surreal feel.
Editorial Analysis
Stumbling Kiss, Virgin Territory seems to try to be a 'medieval Monty Python' but doesn't dare to go all out with satire or extreme comedy. It's stuck between slapstick and a conventional adventure film, leaving the audience unsure whether to laugh or shake their heads. However, for those who enjoy 'so bad it's good' films or want something mindless, this movie might be fun in its own way.
Verdict
In conclusion, Stumbling Kiss, Virgin Territory is not suitable for fans of historical films or those seeking deep storytelling. Instead, it's perfect for a night when you want something lighthearted, mindless, and full of crude jokes and awkward action scenes. If you're a fan of Hayden Christensen wanting to see him try comedy, you might not want to miss it.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Some jokes are genuinely funny
- +Lead actors are good-looking
- +Only 93 minutes long, not drawn out
👎 Cons
- −Nonsensical and illogical plot
- −Acting feels forced and mismatched with the tone
- −CGI and production look dated and unrealistic
Top Cast
FAQ
No, the film is loosely adapted from Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron, but it changes the stories into a crazy adventure.
Some, but not explicit. Mostly sexual jokes and mild teasing scenes.
It depends on your taste. If you like silly comedies without much thought, you might enjoy it. But if you expect a coherent plot or serious acting, you may be disappointed.
